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Antithrombotics in Complex Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: Type and Duration of Treatment
Despoina-Rafailia Benetou1, Charalampos Varlamos1, Christos Pappas1
1Second Department of Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School Athens, Greece.
Insights
Optimizing antiplatelet therapy for complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is crucial. This review evaluates current evidence on dual antiplatelet therapy regimens to balance preventing atherothrombotic events and bleeding complications in PCI patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) increases atherothrombotic risk.
- Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is standard post-PCI, but optimal regimens for complex cases remain challenging.
- Balancing ischemic event prevention with bleeding risk is critical in complex PCI patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on antithrombotic therapy in complex PCI.
- To evaluate safety and efficacy outcomes of different DAPT strategies.
- To discuss future perspectives in managing antithrombotic therapy for complex PCI.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current evidence.
- Analysis of safety and efficacy data for antithrombotic regimens.
- Discussion of clinical challenges and future research directions.
Main Results:
- Complex PCI patients face higher risks of atherothrombotic events.
- Prolonged or potent DAPT may increase bleeding complications.
- Evidence synthesis is needed to guide optimal therapy choices.
Conclusions:
- Optimal antithrombotic strategy for complex PCI requires careful consideration of individual patient risk.
- Further research is needed to refine DAPT duration and intensity.
- Personalized medicine approaches may improve outcomes in complex PCI.
Abstract:
Patients undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at an increased risk of atherothrombotic complications. Although dual antiplatelet therapy is the mainstay of treatment for patients undergoing PCI with stent implantation, deciding its type and duration in complex PCI patients has long been considered a challenge for clinicians. This is because the beneficial effects of prolonged treatment and/or more potent antiplatelet agents' use in preventing ischemic events are hindered by a concomitant increase in bleeding complications. The aim of this review is to highlight current evidence regarding the optimal antithrombotic therapy regimens used in complex PCI patients, focusing on the evaluation of both safety and efficacy outcomes as well as addressing future perspectives.
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